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Global
Systems
Laboratory
Forecast systems that deliver solutions
Explore GSL
Who we are
In a world where technology and Earth system science are advancing rapidly, the Global Systems Laboratory (GSL) stands at the forefront of atmospheric research The core of GSL's culture is a dynamic and forward-thinking spirit that drives our investment in people, partnerships, and organizational performance. GSL is a space where innovation and science converge in a hybrid and collaborative environment.
GSL is one of ten NOAA Research Laboratories and is located in Boulder, Colorado. Our research improves environmental prediction models, develops state-of-the-science decision support tools, visualization systems, and uses high-performance computing technology and artificial intelligence research to support a Weather-Ready Fire-Ready Nation.
Our Research Serves The Nation
The research we do improves weather data, forecasts, and computing techniques used by industry, decision-makers, and stakeholders. Our work makes the nation's operations safer and more efficient, helps protect lives and property, and promotes economic prosperity.
Public Safety
Aviation
Energy
Fire Weather
News from GSL
Emergency responders in central Florida navigating flooding resulting from storm surge during Hurricane Ian in 2022. Source: NOAA/NHC Hurricane Ian Tropical Cyclone Report. Image Credit: Phelan M. Ebenhack/EBENP, via Associated Press The deadliest hazard from tropical storms and hurricanes isn’t wind – it’s storm surge and the flooding that follows....
GSL’s model developers and evaluators have been hard at work testing, advancing, and planning the next generation of numerical weather prediction models. Recently, this has included taking a leading role at a recent workshop for the scientific community and making significant contributions to recent releases of two major atmospheric modeling...
On June 6, 2025, NOAA’s Global Systems Laboratory (GSL) hosted a workshop led by the National Science Foundation’s Advanced Sensing and Computation for Environmental Decision-making Engine (NSF ASCEND Engine) in Colorado and Wyoming. The hybrid workshop, with virtual and on-site participation at the Fire Weather Testbed on NOAA’s Boulder campus,...
Our Latest Projects
GSL's HRRR-Smoke Model predicts how the weather impacts smoke movement and how much the smoke could reduce visibility and air temperatures. The HRRR Smoke Model is a component of the High-Resolution Rapid Refresh weather model that transitioned to NOAA and National Weather Service operations on December 2, 2020.
Our Goals
Our Mission
Lead research and directed development through the transition of environmental data, models, products, tools, and services to support commerce, protect life and property, and promote a scientifically literate public.
Research Areas
Organizational Excellence, Earth System Prediction, Advanced Technologies, and Decision Support are the foundation to achieving the GSL Grand Challenge: Deliver actionable global storm-scale prediction and environmental information through advanced technologies to serve society.
Global Systems Laboratory
